After Stealing Hero's Mother, I Reincarnated in the Fantasy World!

Hearing Rain's words about the rewards, Ophelia tilted her head slightly to the side.

"Rewards? You mean your prize for winning the Tournament Finals?"

"Yes, and for the Rift incident earlier as well."

Since he had gotten the chance to speak directly with Principal, he was sure he would take full advantage of it.

"I understand the former, but the latter... what does the incident in the Rift have to do with you?"

"With me? I'm the victim. Fighting that horrible monster... That incident left an irreparable mark on my mental health. I still have nightmares about that day."

Rain wasn't lying. He had indeed recently dreamed of that time, especially the formidable Rift Master, though the 'battles' in his dreams were different from what others might think of.

"...And what are you trying to say with that?"

Rain smiled.

The moment he started this conversation, he was going to get to the very end.

"Take responsibility for this. It was the Academy that failed to keep track of a single D rank Rift, unleashed the monster, and put the students in mortal danger."

"..."

The Principal's lips didn't move, but an invisible pressure wrapped around Rain's body, pressing down on his shoulders and making it difficult for him to breathe.

It wasn't a direct manifestation of power, more just a rejection of her usual limitations, releasing her normal presence.

Her infinite eyes, as if containing the entire universe, met his red eyes.

Barely suppressing his instincts that told him to run immediately, Rain clenched his teeth and managed not to give in to that urge, never taking his eyes off her amethyst eyes.

As he began to feel even his bones, enhanced by his bloodline begin to shake, and the flow of his blood flow in the opposite direction...

Sigh.

The pressure around him instantly disappeared as if it had never been there, as soon as Ophelia concealed her presence once more.

She rose from her chair and turned to the large vintage window behind her.

Her gaze wandered over the vast grounds of the academy before settling on the grand monument in the center of the academy's main square.

To whom could it be dedicated if not to Eldorin Forsiven, the founder after whom this Academy was named?

It was quite some time before she spoke.

"You're right. It is our fault. Although it's unpleasant to admit it, the Academy has long since lost its former greatness."

It was very strange to hear her voice lacking its usual playfulness. Meanwhile, Ophelia continued.

"They say humans are the most talented and adaptable species, but so what? Most don't even make it to that point. How many geniuses and heroes died before they could blossom?"

"Humans are fragile. They hurt if you hurt them, suffer if you torture them, and die if you kill them."

Her melancholy voice, containing unknown emotions, slowly spread through the space.

"Unlike us, Demons don't have most of these disadvantages. They deny most of the weaknesses of humans and yet have their own advantages that are as good as ours."

Ophelia turned away from the window, meeting his gaze.

"That is why this war cannot be won alone. Humans, Elves, Beastmen, Fairies... it will take the strength and abilities of every race to end it."

Although Rain hadn't yet fully understood what she was getting at, he remembered that even the idea of Cultural Vacations involving learning about the cultures of other races had been proposed by Ophelia under the pretext of breaking down the boundaries between different species.

She really cared a lot about it.

"Like your forefather Winderline led the humans in the battle against the Demons and how Eldorin rallied all the races around him... sadly, our era lacks such person."

Shaking her head in self-deprecating derision, Ophelia continued.

"Although the danger of the Demons has not yet passed, it is because of the lack of such people that we are losing our positions, lands, and people against the Demons year after year."

"And even though all races know it, there is no one who can unite all by his presence."

Rain listened to her quietly, not interrupting.

"In that respect, I hold you in very high esteem, Winderline Heir. Though you still lack much... at the very least you see this world for what it is."

Ophelia showed him a faint, different smile from her usual one.

"So here's my advice to you, cherish your life above all else. When you can't win, just run away. As long as you live, there will always be another chance, another opportunity. But when you die, there's nothing left. No pride, no honor, nothing."

Having said that, she added in a firm voice.

"Rain, save your life and really grow up. That's the only way for humans in this world."

Hearing these words from a Principal who was famous for her fighting spirit and ruthless methods was quite unexpected, but he replied.

"I'll remember that."

To his firm answer, Ophelia only gave a satisfied nod.

She closed her eyes for a moment and when she opened them again, her usual playful smile appeared on her lips.

"Back to our topic, so through this little blackmail, you wanted to get both the rewards for the Tournament and compensation for the events in the Rift? Fine."

Everything changed so quickly that it seemed like all past events were just an illusion.

"As for the rewards for the Tournament... to be honest, I haven't decided what the winner will get yet. Usually the finalists of the Tournament rest for about 3 days while recovering, so I was planning to decide everything on the last day. How troublesome."

Rain threw her a strange look.

Was this woman really the Academy Principal?

"...but since you're here, it would be best to speed it up. So, what do you want? You can choose one thing, together as a reward for the Tournament and the compensation for the Rift incident, or as originally planned, get them separately."

In her usual frivolous tone, Ophelia summarized, waiting for his decision.

Rain thought for a moment, thinking about his system, and then answered.

"Fragments of the Ruined World. I want to have them."

As soon as he said that, the atmosphere around them changed.

[Hey, what are you doing saying that?! What if… what if… ahhh. I understand what you want to accomplish with this, but you better prioritize your personal power and get something to help you grow... please.]

Ignoring the cries of the system that tried to say something, Rain continued to stare at the Principal.

Ophelia's eyebrows frowned slightly for a few moments but soon relaxed.

"I suppose, as a Winderline Heir, it's no surprise that you know about such things. But really... to state it simply like that... it's the last thing I'd expect to hear from one of the students."

Despite her somewhere annoyed reaction, Rain only smiled.

It wasn't a spontaneous decision.

Although the very existence of the Fragments were surrounded by mystery, both the System and Sives had a way to use them.

And beyond that, he himself believed there was more to them than just that. To be sure, he had to get his hands on them.

Either way, whether it's rare artifacts, potions, or other valuable items, with his system he'll eventually get everything he wants.

The only thing he couldn't get from there were unique items directly related to the Will of the World, which were the Fragments.

And Ophelia, as one of the few beings of this world capable of traveling in outer space, could help him with that.

While he was pondering this, Ophelia began to mutter to herself.

"Those noisy things... wandering around space looking for them is rather uncomfortable... should I raid those ancient elders? Or just steal them from the world's reserves...?"

Finally, having decided something in her head, she nodded confidently.

"I can get them for you. But keep in mind that even for me, it may take some time. It's not too late to choose what I have right now instead of relying on probabilities."

Instant benefits against long-term prospects.

In face of such a choice, Rain didn't hesitate for a second.

"I'll wait."

"Hmm... Have I told you yet that I like your spirit? I might be able to get it faster than I thought."

Rain didn't bother to ask when that would be, simply getting up from his seat, ready to leave.

Now that he was done with this case, there was no reason to stay here any longer.

When he was ready to turn the doorknob and leave her office, he stopped suddenly and turned around.

"Big Sis, I have one more request."

"...another one? Your big sister might get really pissed off at this rate."

"It's nothing serious. I just need a pass to the faculty dining hall."

Rain hadn't forgotten the moment when his class president Olivia had taken him there.

"...may I ask why?"

"The food there is delicious."

"..."

After all, he was still human and needed food to live.

Seeing Ophelia stare at him dumbly and realizing she wasn't particularly convinced, Rain decided to add more reasons.

''Anyway, didn't you put me in charge of the second year students back then? With responsibility comes privileges, doesn't it? Otherwise, it would be no different from exploiting students for personal gain."

Ophelia thought for a moment and nodded.

"Exploiting students for personal gain… what a great phrase. Thank you, I'll keep that in mind. And yes, I'll put a faculty dining hall pass in your name, so you can go."

Though the first part of her words made goosebumps run down his skin, the second part made him smile.

"Thank you."

With that, Rain left the Academy Principal's office.